Assume the worst has happened

Tim Sander's post, A prescription to handle worry or stress, made me think about a report I heard on the radio last week. In short, research has indicated that humans tend to worry about future possibilities more than actual reality.

In other words, you and I are inclined to lose productivity, be more depressed, and fear the idea that we might have cancer. However, if we discovered today that you or I actually have cancer, we would be able to cope with the reality of the news better than the possibility of the news.

The report indicates humans are better at coming to terms with "what is" and moving on with life. Thinking pessimistically really does create mental roadblocks and it effects all of our decisions.

If this problem describes you, then why not just assume the worst has already happened? Imagine the possibility of good things that might take place. Back to our example, if you assume you had cancer today what choices would you make differently? Would you start eating healthier? Would you start connecting better with loved ones?

How would your life change if you assumed the economy has already hit the bottom rather than fearing more bad news to come? Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander, also provide some great thoughts on overcoming fear in their book, The Art of Possibility. It's one of the best books you'll ever read.